
In 1995, South Korea experienced one of the deadliest peacetime disasters in its modern history: the collapse of the Sampoong Department Store in Seoul.
This tragedy not only shook the nation but also exposed critical weaknesses in construction standards, corruption, and urban safety regulations.
On June 29, 1995, the five-story building suddenly collapsed during peak shopping hours. Poor design changes, illegal structural modifications, and ignored warning signs led to the catastrophe. Over 500 people lost their lives, and thousands were injured, making it one of the worst building failures in the world.
Investigations revealed that the collapse was preventable.
Engineers had warned of cracks appearing in the structure days earlier, but store executives prioritized business operations over safety. This scandal ignited public outrage and triggered sweeping reforms in construction laws, safety inspections, and urban planning.
The disaster became a turning point in South Korea’s modernization journey, reminding the country that rapid economic growth must be paired with accountability and strict safety regulations.
Key Point: The Sampoong collapse exposed the dark side of Korea’s rapid development and forced the nation to rebuild trust through stronger safety and construction standards.
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